Another science fiction idea becoming reality. Rapid facial recognition is verging on becoming mainstream with the boost that Ticketmaster will give the technology. Ticketmaster has invested in Blink Identity which produces advanced technology for real-time digital facial recognition. Blink’s technology will allow ticket-holders to walk into a venue at a normal pace and be authorized on the go, rather than having to stand in a que to have their tickets scanned.

The implications are wide open. This will be a massive real-world deployment of a developing technology that will in turn be picked up by other enterprises, not to mention a boost to competitors working on similar.

Chapter 1

“Steven! This is a dream!” Asherah screamed as she ducked a flying chunk of floor. She beheld the ongoing destruction they were in the midst of with stunned bewilderment. The building they were in was being decimated at an alarming rate of attrition. But Steven’s nonchalant attitude about it disturbed her even more.

The exterior wall of the apartment complex was missing entirely and energy weapons were chipping away at what was left, showering them with rubble and dust. Another explosion made her flinch and she looked at Steven, terrified. Would this violence send him over the edge again?

Chapter 2

“I think she’s beginning to wig out,” Steven said quietly as Lorei made herself comfortable on the large boulder where they had been training. His aunt glanced at him, then looked at Moringa, confused.

Moringa shrugged. “I know what it means but have no clue about the wig.” The Selkie smiled innocently at Steven who rolled his eyes and looked at Lorei.

“Really? You’re in my head. You know what I’m saying.”

“Steven, wig?”

“She’s obsessing over this Blessing. Like everything has to be perfect. The stress is…” Steven sighed and looked at Moringa. “You know. Right?”

“I know she wants you to see a better side of the Cooperative than what you have,” Moringa said solemnly.

Chapter 3

He had captured a golem three thousand years ago, and encased it in a block of condensing rock vapor. Over the millennia he and a partner drilled the data-banks trying to extract data on the enemy’s plans. It had been largely futile. Golems were exceedingly sophisticated. However, when the deviant from Terra entered the scene, and the gate opened, things changed. He was able to connect the golem to its network to bring in fresh information. Sadly, that information included updated self-destruct code. The golem did not survive.

However, Orin was able to capture a sliver of video of the last thing the golem said before it detonated.